How to Combat Bad Breath in Dogs

Bad breath is not only unpleasant for all those who encounter your dog, but may also be a sign of a more severe problem such as tooth decay and digestive complications. Although there may be more severe circumstances leading to your dog's bad breath, more often than not, you can solve the problem just by improving your pet's diet and paying more attention to oral hygiene. In any case, you should always consult your veterinarian first to make sure you aren't making the situation worse by attempting to treat your pet at home.

1. Conduct a Thorough Examination

If your dog's bad breath seems to have occurred suddenly, make sure to examine his or her mouth for any foreign objects of growths. Sometimes bad breath can be caused by a lodged piece of food or (more rarely) a tumor growth. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, contact your veterinarian immediately.

2. Focus on Oral Hygiene

Practice oral hygiene with your dog by using canine toothpaste and a canine toothbrush to scrub your pet's teeth and tongue thoroughly. These items can be found through our online store in the dental products section. If you already brush your dog's teeth regularly, increase the frequency to ensure maximum cleanliness. For example, if you normally brush your dog's teeth 4-5 times per week, increase it to 6-7 times per week.

As a pet owner, you most likely already spoil your dog with several treats throughout the day. Instead of your pet's regular treats, use specialized dental treats available in our online store to help keep your dog's mouth cleaner and breath fresher. You can also supply your pet with mints and mouthwash to practice fighting germs that cause bad breath throughout the day.

Chlorhexidine is a chemical aniseptic that can eliminate the bad bacteria in your dog's mouth. It can be found in many different forms, including chews and sprays, which can help keep your dog's mouth clean and free from odor-causing bacteria.

If you have recently changed your dog's diet or brought new treats into the home, this may be the cause of bad breath. Usually, an overload of meat in your pet's diet can cause bad breath. Make sure your pet has a balanced diet of vegetable nutrients and rice to avoid overloading your dog with meat. Additionally, make sure your pet's food and water bowls are always cleaned between meals. To help keep halitosis at bay, talk to your veterinarian about an alternative diet for your dog that can eliminate the side-effect of bad breath.